Quai des Matériaux – Materialenkaai

Along the shimmering canal, a vibrant green space unfolds. This is the Quai des Matériaux – Materialenkaai. It’s a nearly 3-hectare park nestled between Place Sainctelette and the Pont des Armateurs, close to Tour & Taxis. The Quai des Matériaux – Materialenkaai offers a welcome breath of fresh air in this densely populated area of Brussels. It’s a testament to community collaboration. Beliris and Bruxelles Environnement worked together to ensure the park met the neighborhood’s needs. From 2014 to 2023, the non-profit organization Toestand temporarily occupied the site. This led to a vibrant collaboration with residents, associations, and collectives. It also sparked several citizen initiatives. The Quai des Matériaux – Materialenkaai is more than just green space. It’s a hub for recreation and leisure. The park features a wide promenade along the canal, leading to various recreational areas. Near Sainctelette, you’ll find two sports fields. The former “Ackermans” warehouse now houses park staff, public restrooms, a community hall, and a small restaurant. The Quai des Matériaux – Materialenkaai also boasts a large garden with benches, tables, a sandbox, and ping-pong tables. Under the Suzan Daniel footbridge, a skatepark beckons to scooter, rollerblade, and skateboard enthusiasts. Opposite the Entrepôt Royal, a sprawling lawn bordered by a wooden terrace invites you to bask in the sun, read a book, toss a frisbee, or simply relax. The Quai des Matériaux – Materialenkaai has a rich history, mirroring the city’s industrial past. The quai was created during the construction of the Jonction basin, later known as the Bassin Béco. This was completed in 1905. From the late 1900s until 2013, the quai housed construction-related businesses, particularly those dealing in materials. They built their shops, warehouses, and offices along the waterway. In 2014, Bruxelles Environnement and Toestand launched a temporary occupation called “Allée du Kaai.” This aimed to create a social and cultural dynamic before the park’s final development. “Allée du Kaai” marked the first temporary occupation in the Brussels-Capital Region initiated and implemented by a public administration. The project proved a resounding success. It welcomed nearly 35,000 people annually and brought together over 40 associations and collectives. In September 2022, Beliris began work on the current park project. Even a new skatepark opened in June 2024. The Quai des Matériaux – Materialenkaai is a vibrant blend of history, community spirit, and recreational opportunities. It’s a place where the past meets the present, creating a unique urban oasis.